Week 50: Una Navidad Diferente
Hey guys! I dont have much to say but I feel super grateful to be able to write to you guys. I had a great christmas. We had a posada with a bunch of missionaries and we had a great time. We had a gift exchange and everything but, we did something that was more meaningful. We read the Living Christ together line for line. It was pretty amazing to feel the spirit of every line and every word spoken from the living prophets. The spirit was felt very strong and it was a great experience. I am so grateful for the Savior. I know that he knows us and loves as we are but, he also wants us to be better. I am grateful for the Atonement that I can use everday. This Christmas was pretty amazing. We were able to talk with our families which was a fantastic experience. We were able to give away food to homeless people the whole night. I can't express that feeling that we had as we helped others on that Christmas night. True happiness and Joy comes from serving others. We went to also give away candies to people (thanks to all that sent me candy I have eaten a lot but the majority I am going to give away jajaja). My favorite experience that night was the last couple minutes of the day. We were just about to go home when a lady came walking towards us. We could tell that she was a little drunk and held a bottle in her hand. She looked really sad. We asked her why she was drinking and she told us that she didn't have anything else to do. Her parents had died and she roamed the streets without any purpose. In my bag I took out a giant bag of chocolate and we told her "We want to give you this chocolate. But you have to do something also. You have to throw that beer away and promise that you wont drink again." My companion said "Whats greater your desire to change or you desire to drink?" She looked at us, then looked at the bottle, then tossed it down the dark alley where we were. With tears in her eyes she thanked us for helping her and I imagine that she didn't have one person to talk to that whole Christmas. That experience made me remember the Savior. We just have to leave everything and trust in him. She then left. The changes that we are doing here aren't big things in the sight of man. Most of the time people don't even see what we do or even care. Most people might ask why we do want we do. Most of the time I think they are things normal people would laugh at. But its what he would do if he was here. Thats why we do it. Thats why we are proud to wear his name. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I love you all.
Giddy Up,
Elder Smith
December 20, 2018
Week 49: Una semana llena de gratitud
I am so grateful to speak to you all this day. I wasnt able to speak to you because I went to Hermosillo to renew my visa and things got a little crazy but I am glad that I was able to write to you all today because there have been some experiences that have happened these couple days that I need to share with you all. I feel so grateful to be a member of the church of Jesus Christ and being able to serve our Heavenly Father every day. There is a joy that comes from serving others and a joy that comes from the Gospel that lasts. A joy that lasts and is real. Its not a happiness that is fake or cheap. It is a joy that is full and rich. Its a joy that cant be bought in a store. Its a joy that isnt tacky or worldy. Its a joy that only comes from our Heavenly Father. Its his love. The world doesnt value the things that are valued by us. Like it says in one of my favorite parts of the bible in Corinthians 2 in verse 11 and 12
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
I have felt that spirit from him throughout my mission. I have felt that spirit that come froms him. I now understand what it says in 2 Timothy 1 verse 7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
That spirit is real and can be felt. I can say it because of the experiences I have had and what I have seen bears testimony of it. I can say without a doubt what the eight witnesses said about the golden plates. "And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen. And we lie not, God bearing witness of it." I have seen miracles and my mission that have testified to me that God is real and he loves us. And like them I lie not. God bearing witness of it. We have been focusing on the power of prayer this week and a change of heart. We have realized. What are desires? What do we desire to accomplish on our missions? God wants to give us more more and more. We can ask for one baptism or two but why not more? We have made a goal to have 14 baptisms in this transfer and I know its possible. We have seen the power of prayer and revelation work in our mission life. One day we set a high goal to find 2 families (8 people for the day) and we decided to start working. Our goals were inspired by God and if comes from him it cannot fail. We worked the whole day and we only found one new person. We decided to say a prayer on the side of the street. We only had 15 minutes before we had to go home but we had faith. We said that we hadnt met our goal and we knew that God would help us. We said "We know that thou art a God of miracles and we will recieve thy help" We closed the prayer and started to search. We decided that the family would be in their home and the door would be open. We saw the first house with the door open and we went and started talking to the guy that was there. We asked if we could walk in and sing a Christmas hymn. Politley he said no and said that his wife wouldnt approve becuase she was catholic. But all of this sudden he left and talked with his wife. After she gladly let us in. They were a family of 4. We rapped up the hymn and a lesson about Christmas and the Savior and went to the next house. We found a house with the door open and we went to teach. We felt a beautiful spirit with the family and they were a family of 4. We realized that we had reached our goal of 8 people and 2 families. The amazing part of all this was that is was the end of the day when there isnt a lot of success. The next day, We did the same and the first house we knocked on we met a nice lady. She letted us in and we taught her about the Restoration. She was very interesed in everything that we had to teach her and accepted a baptismal date. The spirit has been strong in our lessons. All came from a change of our hearts and a desire to do the Lords work with ALL that we have to offer. We know that God knows our hearts. When our desires are aligned with his, we can do miracles. The last miracle I want to share happened today.We went back with one of the families that we found. One of the young men in the family is named Jorge. Hes 20 and a great person. He had a experience that has made me more grateful that I can express. We taught the Restoration today and when I said the first vision and a beautiful spirit filled me when I said it. After I asked "Can you all feel something special here?" Everyone responded "Yes" quietly. We explained it was the Spirit testifying of the truthness of our message. We asked if anyone had prayed about our the message. Jorge said "actually I prayed. And I felt something strange but beautiful. Something I felt similar to what we all felt last time together." I got really emotional and we explained that he recieved his answer. Him and his family have a baptismal date. I know that the the spirit will testify to ANYONE that truly wants to know and is willing to act on that impression. God wants us to know. He didnt put us here to fail. It brings tears to my eyes sometimes when I remember that every single person here accepted the plan of God and they dont remember. They need us. It is our duty to help them. It is our responsibility to help remember that. One cannot, I repeat, cannot deny that after feeling the spirit. And if they do, they break the biggest commandment that God has given to his children. I know that God lives and that this all comes from Him. He wants us all to know it. I am very imperfect and make many mistakes everyday. The only thing that I can truly say about myself that is perfect is my testimony. Its a testimony that has set the course for the rest of my life. No one can pay me for it and make me deny it. Philippians 2 10 and 11 say
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
It cannot be denied. This is my testimony. I love you all and I hope every single one of you can feel it also.
Elder Smith
Giddy Up
1. Todos los que fueron a renovar la visa en Hermosillo
2. Arre Viejon
3. Mexicanos al grito de guerra
4. Modelos
5. Nuestras Metas
I am so grateful to speak to you all this day. I wasnt able to speak to you because I went to Hermosillo to renew my visa and things got a little crazy but I am glad that I was able to write to you all today because there have been some experiences that have happened these couple days that I need to share with you all. I feel so grateful to be a member of the church of Jesus Christ and being able to serve our Heavenly Father every day. There is a joy that comes from serving others and a joy that comes from the Gospel that lasts. A joy that lasts and is real. Its not a happiness that is fake or cheap. It is a joy that is full and rich. Its a joy that cant be bought in a store. Its a joy that isnt tacky or worldy. Its a joy that only comes from our Heavenly Father. Its his love. The world doesnt value the things that are valued by us. Like it says in one of my favorite parts of the bible in Corinthians 2 in verse 11 and 12
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
I have felt that spirit from him throughout my mission. I have felt that spirit that come froms him. I now understand what it says in 2 Timothy 1 verse 7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
That spirit is real and can be felt. I can say it because of the experiences I have had and what I have seen bears testimony of it. I can say without a doubt what the eight witnesses said about the golden plates. "And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen. And we lie not, God bearing witness of it." I have seen miracles and my mission that have testified to me that God is real and he loves us. And like them I lie not. God bearing witness of it. We have been focusing on the power of prayer this week and a change of heart. We have realized. What are desires? What do we desire to accomplish on our missions? God wants to give us more more and more. We can ask for one baptism or two but why not more? We have made a goal to have 14 baptisms in this transfer and I know its possible. We have seen the power of prayer and revelation work in our mission life. One day we set a high goal to find 2 families (8 people for the day) and we decided to start working. Our goals were inspired by God and if comes from him it cannot fail. We worked the whole day and we only found one new person. We decided to say a prayer on the side of the street. We only had 15 minutes before we had to go home but we had faith. We said that we hadnt met our goal and we knew that God would help us. We said "We know that thou art a God of miracles and we will recieve thy help" We closed the prayer and started to search. We decided that the family would be in their home and the door would be open. We saw the first house with the door open and we went and started talking to the guy that was there. We asked if we could walk in and sing a Christmas hymn. Politley he said no and said that his wife wouldnt approve becuase she was catholic. But all of this sudden he left and talked with his wife. After she gladly let us in. They were a family of 4. We rapped up the hymn and a lesson about Christmas and the Savior and went to the next house. We found a house with the door open and we went to teach. We felt a beautiful spirit with the family and they were a family of 4. We realized that we had reached our goal of 8 people and 2 families. The amazing part of all this was that is was the end of the day when there isnt a lot of success. The next day, We did the same and the first house we knocked on we met a nice lady. She letted us in and we taught her about the Restoration. She was very interesed in everything that we had to teach her and accepted a baptismal date. The spirit has been strong in our lessons. All came from a change of our hearts and a desire to do the Lords work with ALL that we have to offer. We know that God knows our hearts. When our desires are aligned with his, we can do miracles. The last miracle I want to share happened today.We went back with one of the families that we found. One of the young men in the family is named Jorge. Hes 20 and a great person. He had a experience that has made me more grateful that I can express. We taught the Restoration today and when I said the first vision and a beautiful spirit filled me when I said it. After I asked "Can you all feel something special here?" Everyone responded "Yes" quietly. We explained it was the Spirit testifying of the truthness of our message. We asked if anyone had prayed about our the message. Jorge said "actually I prayed. And I felt something strange but beautiful. Something I felt similar to what we all felt last time together." I got really emotional and we explained that he recieved his answer. Him and his family have a baptismal date. I know that the the spirit will testify to ANYONE that truly wants to know and is willing to act on that impression. God wants us to know. He didnt put us here to fail. It brings tears to my eyes sometimes when I remember that every single person here accepted the plan of God and they dont remember. They need us. It is our duty to help them. It is our responsibility to help remember that. One cannot, I repeat, cannot deny that after feeling the spirit. And if they do, they break the biggest commandment that God has given to his children. I know that God lives and that this all comes from Him. He wants us all to know it. I am very imperfect and make many mistakes everyday. The only thing that I can truly say about myself that is perfect is my testimony. Its a testimony that has set the course for the rest of my life. No one can pay me for it and make me deny it. Philippians 2 10 and 11 say
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
It cannot be denied. This is my testimony. I love you all and I hope every single one of you can feel it also.
Elder Smith
Giddy Up
1. Todos los que fueron a renovar la visa en Hermosillo
2. Arre Viejon
3. Mexicanos al grito de guerra
4. Modelos
5. Nuestras Metas
December 10, 2018
Week 48: Un Cambio Nuevo
Hey everyone! I am so thankful to able to write you all about my spiritual experiences and the things I have learned on my mission. This week things have been going well and the work here is well. I will be here for another transfer with Elder Castañeda and we are really excited to tackle another together. Time is flying. Sometimes it feels so slow but it also goes so fast when you look back. Things are pretty funny here. In the United States everything used to change when it was Christmas time. The lights, music, mood. For me Mexico still feels like Mexico jajajaja. People really like there banda music here and you would think that you would hear more Christmas music but people are too in to their same old music here jajajaja. Today has been a good day. We recieved some misioneros that will be in our Zone. We are excited for this Christmas Season and that we are still working hard. Just a few days ago, Cuidad Obregon had a parade downtown that they have every year. We participated with the Light the World program and it was a wonderful experience. We had 2000 invitations to give to people throughout the parade inviting everyone to an event that we are going to have next Sunday with Light the World. It was pretty special to see so many people getting to know us and learn about the church.
I have been thinking about two things this week. The first is about the amazing new program that the church will start next year called "Come Follow Me". I am very excited to see that the Lord really wants us to focus on the Gospel at home between our family relationships. I think this is what we need so that future generations will learn and live the Gospel at home. I also realize the responsibility that gives to fathers and mothers. I know it could maybe be difficult to do it but in this world we are living in and the things I am seeing in my mission it is very important parents do this program with their family. It is not an extra hour of the day to rest! Like my dad says, you can rest when you are dead. The world is getting darker and darker but remember the promise from Jesus Christ himself that he gives us when he said in Joseph Smith Matthew 1 verse 37 "And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived" if we study this program as a family I know the ways of the world wont decieve us. The scriptures have become such an important part of my life. I didnt have that same love for them before and I feel bad for not reading them as much as I should have. I would ask that we would study this program every Sunday and the scriptures every day of our lives to protect us. When the world gets dark, the iron rod which is the word of God will safely guide us through. Remember the hymn the Iron Rod that says:
"Hold to the rod, the iron rod;
'Tis strong, and bright, and true.
The iron rod is the word of God;
'Twill safely guide us through."
The scriptures are my iron rod and my sword against confusion, loneliness, and difficult times. Please dont forget about them! Please dont forget about the program Come Follow Me.
The last thing that I want to share with you all is about trials of faith. In Peter Chapter 1 verses 7-9 it says
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
I love these scriptures. Those of you that are passing hard times or are doubting your testimony remember that what you are going through is more precious than gold. I had never thought of that. The trials that we have are literally more valuable than gold. Gold withers away and is ruined but trials help to be better, they shape us, and help become more and more worthy of eternal life. We are willing to bear it as it says in the scritpure for a Savior that we have never seen but we believe and love Him. Continue in faith. Continue praying. Continue reading. Its all worth it.
"Hold to the rod, the iron rod;
'Tis strong, and bright, and true.
The iron rod is the word of God;
'Twill safely guide us through!!!!"
Hey everyone! I am so thankful to able to write you all about my spiritual experiences and the things I have learned on my mission. This week things have been going well and the work here is well. I will be here for another transfer with Elder Castañeda and we are really excited to tackle another together. Time is flying. Sometimes it feels so slow but it also goes so fast when you look back. Things are pretty funny here. In the United States everything used to change when it was Christmas time. The lights, music, mood. For me Mexico still feels like Mexico jajajaja. People really like there banda music here and you would think that you would hear more Christmas music but people are too in to their same old music here jajajaja. Today has been a good day. We recieved some misioneros that will be in our Zone. We are excited for this Christmas Season and that we are still working hard. Just a few days ago, Cuidad Obregon had a parade downtown that they have every year. We participated with the Light the World program and it was a wonderful experience. We had 2000 invitations to give to people throughout the parade inviting everyone to an event that we are going to have next Sunday with Light the World. It was pretty special to see so many people getting to know us and learn about the church.
I have been thinking about two things this week. The first is about the amazing new program that the church will start next year called "Come Follow Me". I am very excited to see that the Lord really wants us to focus on the Gospel at home between our family relationships. I think this is what we need so that future generations will learn and live the Gospel at home. I also realize the responsibility that gives to fathers and mothers. I know it could maybe be difficult to do it but in this world we are living in and the things I am seeing in my mission it is very important parents do this program with their family. It is not an extra hour of the day to rest! Like my dad says, you can rest when you are dead. The world is getting darker and darker but remember the promise from Jesus Christ himself that he gives us when he said in Joseph Smith Matthew 1 verse 37 "And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived" if we study this program as a family I know the ways of the world wont decieve us. The scriptures have become such an important part of my life. I didnt have that same love for them before and I feel bad for not reading them as much as I should have. I would ask that we would study this program every Sunday and the scriptures every day of our lives to protect us. When the world gets dark, the iron rod which is the word of God will safely guide us through. Remember the hymn the Iron Rod that says:
"Hold to the rod, the iron rod;
'Tis strong, and bright, and true.
The iron rod is the word of God;
'Twill safely guide us through."
The scriptures are my iron rod and my sword against confusion, loneliness, and difficult times. Please dont forget about them! Please dont forget about the program Come Follow Me.
The last thing that I want to share with you all is about trials of faith. In Peter Chapter 1 verses 7-9 it says
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
I love these scriptures. Those of you that are passing hard times or are doubting your testimony remember that what you are going through is more precious than gold. I had never thought of that. The trials that we have are literally more valuable than gold. Gold withers away and is ruined but trials help to be better, they shape us, and help become more and more worthy of eternal life. We are willing to bear it as it says in the scritpure for a Savior that we have never seen but we believe and love Him. Continue in faith. Continue praying. Continue reading. Its all worth it.
"Hold to the rod, the iron rod;
'Tis strong, and bright, and true.
The iron rod is the word of God;
'Twill safely guide us through!!!!"
I love you all!
Giddy Up
Elder Smith
December 3, 2018
Hey guys! We are now in the Christmas season! It definitely is a special time to remember the Savior and we are very excited. Just yesterday, we saw a devotional with President Russell M Nelson and about the new Light the World program. I am very excited that knocking doors will be easier too because we can go caroling now hahaha. This week we have baptisms planned. Hermana Mayra and and an Hermano named Jesus Paredes is going to baptized. I love seeing baptisms and they are pretty special. We are trying harder to work with members so we had una noche de hoger (A family home evening) with Hermana Mayra so that she could meet more people. It was a success and we talked about conversion. Conversion is something that has become a reality on my mission. My desires have changed and I want to do better in my life. I want to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to fulfill my Priesthood duties. I want to be a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. I want to keep making covenants with him and being true to them. I want to keep learning and changing. I love what it says in Mosiah 2:21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants. Sometimes we have our own will and we want to do our own things but he is still willing to love us and bless us. He even blesses and helps others that dont want his help. That is pretty amazing. Conversion comes from a sincere heart. It comes from a real desire. Even though I did all the important things before like reading scriptures and praying maybe I didnt do it with a full purpose of heart. I now understand when Moroni says in chapter 7 "if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such." God knows our desires and thoughts. Thats why if we do something and we dont have a real intent it doesnt count. Elder Bednar said "The purpose and purification, the happiness and joy, and the continuing conversion and protection that come from “yielding [our] hearts unto God” and “[receiving] his image in [our] countenances” cannot be obtained merely by performing and checking off all the spiritual things we are supposed to do. Rather, the power of the Savior’s gospel to transform and bless us flows from discerning and applying the interrelatedness of its doctrine, principles, and practices. Only as we gather together in one all things in Christ, with firm focus upon Him, can gospel truths synergistically enable us to become what God desires us to become and endure valiantly to the end." This quote struck me hard. It is true. I would plead that we would have a pure heart and desire to do the right thing and not only because we "have to." I have seen the difference between the two. When we are truly doing it, we change. That is the only way to experience the true happiness of the Gospel. I love you all.
Giddy up!
Elder Smith
1. Navidad thanks mom for the package
2. La familia de oro (Golden family)
3. Juego del Plan de Salvacion en la calle (Plan of salvation game in the street)
4. Un snack antes de la comida me veo bien gordo en esta foto
5. Jesus Manuel
2. La familia de oro (Golden family)
3. Juego del Plan de Salvacion en la calle (Plan of salvation game in the street)
4. Un snack antes de la comida me veo bien gordo en esta foto
5. Jesus Manuel
November 26, 2018
Week 46: Hola a todos!
Hey guys! This week was interesting and a little difficult. A pretty crazy thing happened to us also. We went to visit Jesus Manuel (one of our investigators) and he wasnt there. His neighbor was outside and he had caught a scorpion! It was pretty rad because he took it out and he chopped up the stinger right in front of us it was wild. Then he was like hey dont freak out it cant hurt you and he threw it at me jajajajajaja. He later gave it to us a gift and then we regifted it to an investigator. A good thing that happened this week is that we were able to confirm Santiago (one of our converts)! He is so excited about going to church and learning. We had a baptism programmed this weekend but it fell through. The sister that was going to be baptized was pretty nervous and canceled the baptism. We talked with her after and we think that she just needs a little bit more time. We recgonize that everyone has their time of conversion and it is important to recognize that. One of the most amazing things that happened this week with our investigator Jesus Manuel. He is one of my favorite people ever. One day when we arrived to his house he had read until 1 Nefi 17 and is excited to be baptized. He went to church for the first time yesterday and he told us something very special. Elder Castañeda was a little stressed because a lot of people were talking in Sacrament Meeting. He was sure that Jesus Manuel hadnt had a good experience. We talked to him after how he felt after the meeting and he said "When I walked in, I felt a peace fill me." We were blown away. The spirit at church is real. He will be baptized on the 8th of December. He is fantastic. Evenwhile things can be different, when we put our trust in god without doubting, we can see miracles. These past couple days we have found some amazing new people to teach but I am thankful for all that he gives us. Thanks everyone for your prayers and support!
Giddy Up
Elder Smith
Hey guys! This week was interesting and a little difficult. A pretty crazy thing happened to us also. We went to visit Jesus Manuel (one of our investigators) and he wasnt there. His neighbor was outside and he had caught a scorpion! It was pretty rad because he took it out and he chopped up the stinger right in front of us it was wild. Then he was like hey dont freak out it cant hurt you and he threw it at me jajajajajaja. He later gave it to us a gift and then we regifted it to an investigator. A good thing that happened this week is that we were able to confirm Santiago (one of our converts)! He is so excited about going to church and learning. We had a baptism programmed this weekend but it fell through. The sister that was going to be baptized was pretty nervous and canceled the baptism. We talked with her after and we think that she just needs a little bit more time. We recgonize that everyone has their time of conversion and it is important to recognize that. One of the most amazing things that happened this week with our investigator Jesus Manuel. He is one of my favorite people ever. One day when we arrived to his house he had read until 1 Nefi 17 and is excited to be baptized. He went to church for the first time yesterday and he told us something very special. Elder Castañeda was a little stressed because a lot of people were talking in Sacrament Meeting. He was sure that Jesus Manuel hadnt had a good experience. We talked to him after how he felt after the meeting and he said "When I walked in, I felt a peace fill me." We were blown away. The spirit at church is real. He will be baptized on the 8th of December. He is fantastic. Evenwhile things can be different, when we put our trust in god without doubting, we can see miracles. These past couple days we have found some amazing new people to teach but I am thankful for all that he gives us. Thanks everyone for your prayers and support!
Giddy Up
Elder Smith
November 19, 2018
Week 45: Que Onda Guero
HEYYYY EVERYONE! I hope everyone is doing well! We had some great things happen this week and I am excited to share everything with you! This week we had a baptism! His name is Santiago and he is 9 years old. He is FANTASTIC and he knows so much about the Gospel. He really is going to do great things in the future. I know he will be a missionary someday! One really cool thing happened this week. We had Zone Conference and everything went great! I was talking to President Myers after the conference and asked him if he could make a video for one of our investigators. I was thinking that he could make a message for her with something motivating. He told us that he actually had time to work with us and we WENT TOGETHER. It was the craziest best night ever. We taught a super powerful lesson with the investigator and she now has a baptismal date for THIS WEEK BABBBYYYY. It was such a privilege to have our Mission President in a lesson and also very nerve racking. Our investigator said that she now desires to be baptized and that before she was a little skeptical. I am so happy that she made the decision to start preparing for this Saturday!
We had Stake Conference and one of the 70 (leaders of our church) came to speak. His name is Elder Pingree! I actaully had the opportunity to meet him before the Conference. A couple months ago, President selected a few amount of missionaries to have a PRIVATE interview with him when he came to speak to us the first time. I was one of the selected and I got to talk to him! I was so excited to hear that he was coming back to speak to us at Stake Conference. He is a pretty special person. In our interview, we talked about the passage in the bible John 21 and how it has changed my life. I am glad I had the opportunity to see him again. We have many exciting things for the week that are coming up and we can use all the support we can get with the prayers! I love you all!
HEYYYY EVERYONE! I hope everyone is doing well! We had some great things happen this week and I am excited to share everything with you! This week we had a baptism! His name is Santiago and he is 9 years old. He is FANTASTIC and he knows so much about the Gospel. He really is going to do great things in the future. I know he will be a missionary someday! One really cool thing happened this week. We had Zone Conference and everything went great! I was talking to President Myers after the conference and asked him if he could make a video for one of our investigators. I was thinking that he could make a message for her with something motivating. He told us that he actually had time to work with us and we WENT TOGETHER. It was the craziest best night ever. We taught a super powerful lesson with the investigator and she now has a baptismal date for THIS WEEK BABBBYYYY. It was such a privilege to have our Mission President in a lesson and also very nerve racking. Our investigator said that she now desires to be baptized and that before she was a little skeptical. I am so happy that she made the decision to start preparing for this Saturday!
We had Stake Conference and one of the 70 (leaders of our church) came to speak. His name is Elder Pingree! I actaully had the opportunity to meet him before the Conference. A couple months ago, President selected a few amount of missionaries to have a PRIVATE interview with him when he came to speak to us the first time. I was one of the selected and I got to talk to him! I was so excited to hear that he was coming back to speak to us at Stake Conference. He is a pretty special person. In our interview, we talked about the passage in the bible John 21 and how it has changed my life. I am glad I had the opportunity to see him again. We have many exciting things for the week that are coming up and we can use all the support we can get with the prayers! I love you all!
Giddy up!
Elder Smith
November 12, 2018
Week 44: Recuerda que soy Chino
How is everyone!!!!! Guys so much happens in Mexico every day. Its hard to remember everything! To start, someone stole my bike again. We went to a Stake Conference and I left the bike IN the Chapel next to my companions bike. The funny thing was when we left the conference his bike was there but mine wasnt jajajjaja. Oh well.... We had another pretty funny experience with a lesson we were teaching. We were teaching the Plan of Salvation to some kids with these paper dolls my mom used in her mission (thanks mom I use them all the time) and in the set, there are all the pieces of the Plan of Salvation. There are even 2 bodies to use to represent a man and woman. It was really funny becuase we were playing a game with them and they had to figure out where every piece went. The little girl put the two people in the wrong spot and her sister yelled (it was a pretty competitive plan of salvation game) HEY QUE HACES CON LOS CUERPOS (HEY WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE BODIES). It was so funny because we all understood, but the door was open and I think that everyone in the neighborhood thought we were crazy when she shouted WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE BODIES (Whats going on in that house kind of thing) hahaha.
Also, another funny story.... We went to celebrate the birthday of one of our missionaries named Elder Rufino. We were sitting outside of an OXXO (like a Circle K) and this drunk came up to us and started talking to us. He said a bunch of things and at the end he said GUYSS I NEED TO TELL YOU SOMETHING.............(almost falls over)........Remember that I am Chinese AND THEN HE LEFT HAHAHAHHAHAHA. We have some great people we are teaching. Santiago is going to be baptized this Friday!!!!! He is 9 and he knows a TON. We found a family of three that are great. They names are Victor, Vianca, and Adrian. They will probably be baptized too! Also we have Juan Carlos that always READS his Book of Mormon. This area has a lot of potencial. I am always thankful for every person that enters the waters of baptism. Also, Edendira (our convert) went to the TEMPLE. So cool. Lot of good things are happening here. I love you all a ton thanks for all your support and prayers!
How is everyone!!!!! Guys so much happens in Mexico every day. Its hard to remember everything! To start, someone stole my bike again. We went to a Stake Conference and I left the bike IN the Chapel next to my companions bike. The funny thing was when we left the conference his bike was there but mine wasnt jajajjaja. Oh well.... We had another pretty funny experience with a lesson we were teaching. We were teaching the Plan of Salvation to some kids with these paper dolls my mom used in her mission (thanks mom I use them all the time) and in the set, there are all the pieces of the Plan of Salvation. There are even 2 bodies to use to represent a man and woman. It was really funny becuase we were playing a game with them and they had to figure out where every piece went. The little girl put the two people in the wrong spot and her sister yelled (it was a pretty competitive plan of salvation game) HEY QUE HACES CON LOS CUERPOS (HEY WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE BODIES). It was so funny because we all understood, but the door was open and I think that everyone in the neighborhood thought we were crazy when she shouted WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE BODIES (Whats going on in that house kind of thing) hahaha.
Also, another funny story.... We went to celebrate the birthday of one of our missionaries named Elder Rufino. We were sitting outside of an OXXO (like a Circle K) and this drunk came up to us and started talking to us. He said a bunch of things and at the end he said GUYSS I NEED TO TELL YOU SOMETHING.............(almost falls over)........Remember that I am Chinese AND THEN HE LEFT HAHAHAHHAHAHA. We have some great people we are teaching. Santiago is going to be baptized this Friday!!!!! He is 9 and he knows a TON. We found a family of three that are great. They names are Victor, Vianca, and Adrian. They will probably be baptized too! Also we have Juan Carlos that always READS his Book of Mormon. This area has a lot of potencial. I am always thankful for every person that enters the waters of baptism. Also, Edendira (our convert) went to the TEMPLE. So cool. Lot of good things are happening here. I love you all a ton thanks for all your support and prayers!
Giddy up
Elder Smith
November 5, 2018
Week 43: Rivvverraaa GAAaaaSSSs RRIiiiVVErrrraAA GGGAAaaasss
GUYS SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED THIS WEEK. I have so much to tell you. I forgot to tell you all that 2 weeks ago they stole our bikes. No joke. We have our house and then our outside patio with a giant gate and lock. It was 10 in the morning when it happened. They were outside in that area but everything was safe and locked so we thought everything was alright. In the morning all of this sudden we heard KUNG BOOOM. When we ran outside, they were out of sight. They CUT THE CHAIN THAT WAS OUTSIDE AROUND THE GATE. UGHHHHH. So we had to buy bikes again but its ok because the bike I have now is perrona(awesome).
Another experience happened with my convert Edendira. She is a young girl that is literally so rad. We arrived to her house to take her to church to get confirmed because she couldn't go to church last Sunday. That means if she didn't go to church this Sunday she would have not gone for 2 Sundays after being baptized. We arrived at her house and assumed she was already awake. We got to the house and talked to her Aunt that we there and I asked if Edendira was awake. She told me that she WAS ASLEEP NOOOOOOO. It was 8 45 and we were far from the church and we start at 9! I was like EDENDIRA GET READY WE WILL WAIT OUTSIDE AND ILL CALL A TAXI STEP ON IT! We were moving it to get to church LIKE HAULING. Edendira was able to be confirmed. I was so happy for her receive that ordinance. Ill never forget what she told me. I asked her how she felt after being confirmed and she told me she felt so happy and felt something incredible. That was response was worth all the effort. Something so little made it all worth it. It reminded me of a scripture in 2 Timothy 2 verse 10 which says Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. All that I do in missionary work is by love for the chosen by God so that they can receive saving ordinances and receive the love of our Savior. At the end of the day, the little things that are bugging to me most of the time don't matter. I do it out of love. I have really seen a change in her. The gospel changes lives.
The last thing I wanted to share was an experience that we had with a little kid named Santiago. We were sharing the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ with him and I was quoting the first vision of Joseph Smith. When I was saying it, the spirit flooded over us and Santiago seemed to feel it. I could tell that his eyes were getting red and wet. After he began to cry. Shocked we asked how he felt. He told us that he felt Gods love in his heart. He is going to be baptized on the 17th. He felt the truthfulness of the message that we shared. I thought that I had seen something incredible. It is the evidence that every single human being has the right to know. I left in amazement that even a 9 year old kid could receive such a strong impression from our Heavenly Father.
But after, I understood. Everything started with a 14 year old boy that wanted to know too. Thanks to our Heavenly Father that chose that boy, the truth was restored. The only TRUE happiness that we enjoy. Every blessing that we have recieved. It really strikes me that is all started with the trust that God had in a boy that was simple and humble. God choses the meek and humble to do His work. I find that refreshing and amazing knowing that I am imperfect and weak but he will use me in my weaknesses. I am thankful that he gave that spirit in that moment to say the very special words of Joseph Smith. God trusts in the simple and humble and I want to let you all know that. I want to finish with one of my favorite chapters of the 1 Corinthians 2 verses 3,4, and 5.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
I love you all
Giddy Up
Elder Smith
Another experience happened with my convert Edendira. She is a young girl that is literally so rad. We arrived to her house to take her to church to get confirmed because she couldn't go to church last Sunday. That means if she didn't go to church this Sunday she would have not gone for 2 Sundays after being baptized. We arrived at her house and assumed she was already awake. We got to the house and talked to her Aunt that we there and I asked if Edendira was awake. She told me that she WAS ASLEEP NOOOOOOO. It was 8 45 and we were far from the church and we start at 9! I was like EDENDIRA GET READY WE WILL WAIT OUTSIDE AND ILL CALL A TAXI STEP ON IT! We were moving it to get to church LIKE HAULING. Edendira was able to be confirmed. I was so happy for her receive that ordinance. Ill never forget what she told me. I asked her how she felt after being confirmed and she told me she felt so happy and felt something incredible. That was response was worth all the effort. Something so little made it all worth it. It reminded me of a scripture in 2 Timothy 2 verse 10 which says Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. All that I do in missionary work is by love for the chosen by God so that they can receive saving ordinances and receive the love of our Savior. At the end of the day, the little things that are bugging to me most of the time don't matter. I do it out of love. I have really seen a change in her. The gospel changes lives.
The last thing I wanted to share was an experience that we had with a little kid named Santiago. We were sharing the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ with him and I was quoting the first vision of Joseph Smith. When I was saying it, the spirit flooded over us and Santiago seemed to feel it. I could tell that his eyes were getting red and wet. After he began to cry. Shocked we asked how he felt. He told us that he felt Gods love in his heart. He is going to be baptized on the 17th. He felt the truthfulness of the message that we shared. I thought that I had seen something incredible. It is the evidence that every single human being has the right to know. I left in amazement that even a 9 year old kid could receive such a strong impression from our Heavenly Father.
But after, I understood. Everything started with a 14 year old boy that wanted to know too. Thanks to our Heavenly Father that chose that boy, the truth was restored. The only TRUE happiness that we enjoy. Every blessing that we have recieved. It really strikes me that is all started with the trust that God had in a boy that was simple and humble. God choses the meek and humble to do His work. I find that refreshing and amazing knowing that I am imperfect and weak but he will use me in my weaknesses. I am thankful that he gave that spirit in that moment to say the very special words of Joseph Smith. God trusts in the simple and humble and I want to let you all know that. I want to finish with one of my favorite chapters of the 1 Corinthians 2 verses 3,4, and 5.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
I love you all
Giddy Up
Elder Smith
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